Dogs in Our Communities and Keeping Everyone Safe

Following a recent serious dog-related incident elsewhere in Yorkshire, we thought it was a good opportunity to remind residents about responsible dog ownership, and what to do if something doesn’t look right.

What does “dangerously out of control” mean?

It doesn’t necessarily mean that a dog has bitten somebody. A dog may be considered “dangerously out of control” if it injures someone or causes someone to fear that they may be injured.

The law applies to all dogs, regardless of breed.

What you should you do if you encounter a dog behaving aggressively:

If a dog is attacking someone or there is an immediate danger to people, call 999.

What about the welfare of the dog?

Sometimes the behaviour from a dog can have a story behind it. If you see a dog being hit, kicked or deliberately harmed, or you have genuine concerns that an animal is being neglected, record what you have seen. Give us the location, time, description of the dog and owner, and any vehicles that have been used.

Animal cruelty or neglect can be reported to the RSPCA. Where someone is in immediate danger or an incident requires an emergency police response, call 999.

Dangerously out-of-control dogs and other non-emergency policing concerns can be reported through 101 or our online reporting services.

Further information and advice:

https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/aggression